Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and U.S. Congressman Ray LaHood has been named the first Honorary Senior Distinguished Fellow for the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service (IPL) at Bradley University. Through his appointment former Secretary LaHood will participate…
SF SAINT FRANCIS CENTERS FOR BREAST HEALTH OFFER NEW 3D MAMMOGRAM
The OSF Saint Francis Centers for Breast Health now offers a three-dimensional mammogram called 3D Breast Tomosynthesis at the Center for Health Rt. 91 and Morton locations. 3D mammography is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast…
LaHood calls for service, civility, compromise
After more than four years as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the Obama administration and 35 years in government, Republican Ray LaHood is taking time to consider various options and opportunities and plans to decide his future in the next…
Hidden toxins found in children’s back-to-school supplies – ‘Our chemical safety system is broken’
Each year, Center for Health, Environment & Justice tests children’s back-to-school supplies for toxic chemicals. Each year, the organization finds toxins. Some are considered “endocrine disrupting chemicals” that can mimic or suppress hormones and cause damage at extremely low levels…
Illinois is the final state to pass concealed carry legislagtion
House and Senate Majorities voted to override Governor Quinn’s changes to concealed carry legislation, giving Illinoisans the chance to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Last month, lawmakers raced to beat a July 9 deadline enacted by the 7th U.S. Circuit…
The full story on Peoria’s Betty Friedan
This Labor Day during the 50th anniversary year of the publication of the landmark “Feminine Mystique” by Peoria native Betty Friedan, one wonders, “What if?” What if more people knew of Friedan’s background – especially her years as a labor…
Think native
Doug Tallamy was surprised at how perfect the leaves looked on surrounding shrubs and herbaceous plants. As an entomologist he would have expected to see holes, chewed edges and other evidence of herbivorous insects feeding. It occurred to Tallamy that,…
Gary Sandberg could be a royal pain in the butt
I loved Gary Sandberg. But the man could be a royal pain. Certainly Peoria’s mayors found him to be a pain. He opposed just about every developer make-work giveaway project they could conceive. Developers who have their hand in taxpayer’s…
Ah, summer …
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted
Second chances shouldn’t be taken for granted. If offered, they’re to be used for all they’re worth! Not every missed or bungled opportunity affords another go around. People die suddenly and all the “wish I would have told them” sentiments…
West Peoria News for August
Winners of trophies in the 43rd Annual 4th of July parade are: Henry Strube as grand marshal for his dedicated role in the job of street department manager. Henry works many extra hours whenever needed or emergency circumstances arrive. Best…
Dress up your computer
Are you like me and spend a lot of time at your computer? I estimate about 75% of my waking hours are at my computer. Since I spend so much time here earning a living, I’ve tried to be more…
Musings for August
Today is the 26th of July and it is raining again. Thank Goodness! I was actually cold as I came into work this morning. I never think of putting on a jacket or sweater, because we’ve had so much heat…
Happenings for August
Aug 1 – Whisper and Shout at Contemporary Art Center – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Peoria’s open mic for sharing/inspiring poetry is held on the first Thursday of each month. Each night the open mic features a popular regionally…
Is nothing sacred?
by Dolores M. Klein, Peoria, IL A few years ago we could discuss local and national issues on local radio talk shows. I recall a highly exasperated woman calling in, complaining that we were always talking about rape: “Is nothing…
It’s all about the money
by Ed Klein, Peoria, IL The Supreme Court decision that overturned key campaign finance rules is called Citizens United. Whoever came up with that name must have followed Alice through the looking glass. The fact is, citizens are not united…
Peoria Park District Classes in August
Zumba and Yoga at FRC – All classes take place at Franciscan Rec Complex in August. Go: www.peoriaparks.org/frc or call (309) 677-6705. Drop-in Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays & Fridays at 10:00 a.m. $4.50/drop-in Zumba: Thursdays beginning…
Newsbriefs …
ROTARY CLUB OF PEORIA-NORTH ELECTS OFFICERS The Rotary Club of Peoria-North 2013-2014 officers and board members were installed on Thursday, July 11. Officers are Doug Huff, President; Scott Paulsen, Vice President; Jim Barrack, Immediate Past President; Matt Machala, Secretary; and…
House & Senate pass concealed carry bill
In a move that could end Illinois’ ban on firearms, the House and Senate passed a measure allowing for the carry of concealed weapons. Just hours before the Illinois General Assembly adjourned for the summer on May 31, the House,…
Happy Fourth!
New ‘war garden’ in the battle against disease
Food in America has undergone a transformation over the past 71 years since OSF Sisters Community Healthcare Center opened its doors for uninsured and low-income patients. In 1942, Americans were cultivating “War Gardens,” canning fruit and vegetables, and only occasionally…
Providing nourishment to foster independence
Cooking begins very early each weekday morning at Neighborhood House in Peoria. Staff at the social service agency, located at 1020 S. Matthew Street, prepares food for some 850 meals to serve people in the city of Peoria, Peoria County…